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What is an Information Systems Analyst?
An information systems analyst has three areas of responsibility: review specifications, test, and document. He or she typically has a university or college degree in computer science, information technology systems, or computer programming. People in this field can find employment opportunities in a broad range of information technology companies and departments of large organizations.
People who enjoy working with technology, are focused on details, and can work as a team member report the greatest satisfaction as information systems analysts. Information technology professionals must work together, completing tasks independently, but ensuring that the work of the team can continue. The role of information systems analyst is critical to maintaining a specific level of quality while working with the primary computer systems.
The primary role of the information systems analyst is to review project specifications. This document provides details on the functions of the potential solution, user interface methods, reporting, supporting platform, and other features. The analyst reviews and refines the specifications used to develop or write computer software. The analyst is expected to maintain an expert level of knowledge about the software program, so they can provide advice and guidance about what is possible and how long it will take.
System testing forms a large part of an information systems analyst’s daily work. There are two types of testing: functional and quality. Functional testing is simply to ensure that each command or programs behave as expected. Quality testing ensures that the data processed and returned is accurate, complete, and timely.
Documentation is the process of writing down the steps for using the software. Technical documentation typically includes a list of all the data tables accessed, methodology used, and a quick summary of the program logic. This type of documentation is aimed at other information technology professionals.
Talk with people who work in the information technology industry and they can advise you about the work environment in this industry. In most information technology firms, the systems analyst works closely with the developers and programmers. Information technology departments in large companies typically have two or three system analysts on staff, depending on the size of the department and the type of software they are running.
A career as an information systems analyst requires dedication to continuing education. The technology is constantly changing, and it is necessary to invest time and effort to stay current. Career advancement in this field typically requires further education in management or certification in a specific technology or hardware. This career is forecast to have a greater than average growth in the next five to ten years.
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![People who enjoy working with technology and as part of a team would likely enjoy a career as an information systems analyst.]()
By: Monkey BusinessPeople who enjoy working with technology and as part of a team would likely enjoy a career as an information systems analyst. -
![The primary role of an information systems analyst is to review project specifications.]()
By: sumosThe primary role of an information systems analyst is to review project specifications. -
![Information systems analysts can help troubleshoot computer glitches.]()
By: nyulInformation systems analysts can help troubleshoot computer glitches.
Discussion Comments
Good description of the field. I would, however, take issue with one aspect of the narrative: analysts who -- as this document suggests -- like details and focus on technology make good IT analysts, but not necessarily "information" systems analysts. Instead, I would suggest that the analyst who, although being conversant in the basics of technology, is more focused on the broad flow of organizations, personnel, information flows and processes, may make better analysts in the information field.
The information systems analyst must understand that "system" refers not only--and perhaps not primarily--to computer systems and their supporting technology, but instead refers to the entire collection of human, organizational, process-related, cost and funding factors that go to make up complex business operations.
While technology will inevitably become an important part of these broad system flows, it should be viewed in a supporting role to the more important functional aspects of the system being considered.
The information system analyst has three areas of responsibility: review specifications, test, and document. The information system analyst joins the computer science or information technology student. The information system analyst finds the employment opportunities on a board. This facility is available in large companies, so an information system analyst is a great role in an organization.
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